Ohio residents can now add their Ohio-issued driver’s license or state identification card to Apple Wallet for use in person at select businesses, in select apps, and at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.
“Ohio has always been a leader in innovation, and now we are the fifth state in the country that gives residents the option to securely add their driver’s license to Apple Wallet,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “This is another example of how Ohio is using technology to better serve its customers and residents.”
The rollout was led by InnovateOhio, a part of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), who both worked with Apple on the new functionality.
Alongside the rollout of digital IDs and driver’s licenses, Ohio also launched a free age verification app for businesses. The app enables businesses to securely and privately accept customers’ mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards in person using an iPhone.
“InnovateOhio aims to make Ohio the most innovative, entrepreneurial state in the Midwest while enhancing convenience for residents through technology,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. “Adding your Ohio driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet is the latest example of modernizing the BMV and simplifying processes for Ohioans. We’ve also launched an app for businesses to read Ohio Mobile IDs, enabling them to utilize this new service.”
When presenting a mobile Ohio driver’s license or ID in Apple Wallet, residents just have to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the ID reader. Residents’ devices will then display what information is being requested. The governor’s office noted that information is released from a device only after the device owner authorizes it with Face ID or Touch ID. Since the information is shared digitally, users do not need to hand over their iPhone or Apple Watch.
Additionally, when adding an ID to Apple Wallet, the state issuing authority receives only information it needs to approve or deny adding the ID to Apple Wallet.
In terms of saving and sharing data, the state notes that once added to Apple Wallet, ID information is encrypted on a user’s device, so that others including Apple cannot access it unless a user chooses to present it. Additionally, the governor’s office stressed that Apple and the state issuing authority do not know when or to whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID. A user’s presentment history is encrypted and stored only on their device, and Apple doesn’t retain any presentment information that can be tied back to a user.
To use the new technology, residents must have a valid and easily readable Ohio driver’s license or ID card, as well as an iPhone 8 or later model, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later model.
